Ireland have clinched victory in this year's International Rules series after beating Australia by four points in today's second leg in Melbourne.

Sean Boylan's men won 57-53 to secure a five-point aggregate win, with Benny Coulter scoring two goals and Kieran Donaghy also hitting the back of the Aussie net.

The Aussies led 15-12 after the first quarter, but goals from Kieran Donaghy and Enda McGinley overhauled the home side's lead in the second quarter, putting Ireland into a 36-21 advantage.

Holding possession with a succession of deft passing moves the visitors ended the quarter leading 36-21.

Ireland still led 50-33 heading into the final period thanks to a goal from Benny Coulter, but the Australians piled on the pressure in the closing quarter and managed to reduce Ireland's lead to four points before Coulter scored his second goal to put the Irish 10 points ahead.

The Aussies knocked in another goal in the dying minutes, but Ireland held on for victory.